Natural Selection 2 Thumbnail

Natural Selection 2 similar games & best alternatives

Natural Selection 2

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2012

Related articles

Quick resume

A fast paced multiplayer shooter that pits aliens against humans in a strategic and action-packed struggle for survival!

Global score

85/100

Genres

Action, Indie, Strategy, Real Time Strategy (RTS), Shooter, Puzzle

Similar games

    Pros

    • Unique fps-rts hybrid gameplay
    • Strong team cooperation and leadership
    • Asymmetric factions with distinct playstyles
    • High skill ceiling and strategic depth
    • Active community with ongoing updates

    Cons

    • Steep learning curve for new players
    • Small and sometimes toxic player base
    • Long loading times and optimization issues
    • Limited character customization
    • Requires microphone and communication

    Analysis

    Broadly representative of its motivational profile, with a few distinct shifts. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Competition, Fellowship, Domination, Status. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Leadership, Cooperation. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Expression.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players can choose to play as commander with RTS control or as individual FPS units, allowing high personal freedom in roles and decisions."

    • Competence
      4

      "High skill ceiling with steep learning curve; players must master FPS aiming, RTS commanding, and team coordination."

    • Competition
      4

      "Strong competitive multiplayer focus with ranked servers and skill-based matchmaking; players compare performance."

    • Continuation
      3

      "Many players report long sessions and habitual play, with some having thousands of hours invested."

    • Cooperation
      5

      "Teamwork is essential; players must coordinate closely with commander and teammates to succeed."

    • Creativity
      2

      "Some creativity in tactical decisions and commander strategies; limited character customization."

    • Domination
      3

      "Competitive environment with some reports of toxic behavior and harsh treatment of new players."

    • Escapism
      4

      "Players use the game as intense distraction and stress relief through immersive sci-fi combat."

    • Expectation
      -3

      "Most players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment rather than obligation."

    • Experimenting
      3

      "Players explore different roles, factions, and strategies; game encourages tactical experimentation."

    • Exploration
      2

      "Maps are large and complex, encouraging discovery of tactical positions and routes."

    • Expression
      -2

      "Limited character customization; mostly standardized faction appearances and preset aesthetics."

    • Fantasy
      4

      "Strong sci-fi fantasy setting with aliens and marines, asymmetric factions and unique lifeforms."

    • Fellowship
      4

      "Community is close-knit and cooperative; players form social bonds through teamwork."

    • Growth
      4

      "Players develop skills over time; game has steep learning curve and rewards mastery."

    • Health
      -4

      "Typical sedentary gaming; no physical activity involved."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires continuous attention and focus during matches; not a casual or idle experience."

    • Intimacy
      2

      "Some social interaction and camaraderie, but mostly team-based rather than close personal relationships."

    • Leadership
      5

      "Commander role involves leading, managing resources, and directing team strategy."

    • Progression
      4

      "In-game progression through upgrades, resource control, and evolving alien lifeforms."

    • Relaxation
      -2

      "Gameplay is tense and challenging, with moments of adrenaline and stress."

    • Sensation
      3

      "Engaging audio-visual sci-fi atmosphere with suspenseful combat and effects."

    • Status
      3

      "Recognition through skill, rank, and community reputation is valued."

    • Story
      1

      "Basic sci-fi narrative background; gameplay is mostly session-based without deep story immersion."

    • Strategy
      5

      "Strong strategic and tactical planning required, especially for commanders."

    • Thrill
      4

      "High tension and suspense from asymmetric combat and team coordination."

    • Value
      4

      "Players report high value for time invested due to unique gameplay and replayability."

    • Violence
      3

      "Combat and destruction are core gameplay elements, with shooting and alien attacks."

    • Survival
      3

      "Players must avoid death and manage resources to maintain control and survive."

    Where to buy

    Come talk about it on Discord!

    Last update: 29/04/2026